Meet The Team - PANDAS Foundation UK

Donna Collins – Managing Director

Having had my own challenges following the premature birth of twins 12 years ago, I am passionate about helping others to understand and thrive after their own experiences with perinatal illness. I am incredibly proud to be part of this innovative and growing national charity and will guide its growth to be able to support more of those in need. We will continue to develop close working relationships with the broader mental health community to raise awareness and challenge the stigma of the issues that affect so many of us every day.

Arabella Warden – Trustee & Company Secretary

I’m a Global Communications & Networks Manager with over 12 years’ experience working in both start up and corporate businesses. Working as part of the Board and alongside CEO’s and Leadership teams, I provide business advice, project management, strategic input and logistical planning. I am excited to be working with PANDAS to assist them in expanding their presence to reach as many families suffering from pre and postnatal illnesses throughout the United Kingdom as possible whilst continuing to raise public awareness.Despite juggling work and studies, I love spending time with my son in our garden and if possible reading a good thriller!

Avril Jolliffe – Trustee

I left university with two degrees in Engineering and after a short stint in the City and a year out working in an orphanage in Thailand, I joined the Ministry of Defence on the Science and Engineering Fast Stream in 1995. I have completed a number of Mentor and Coach training courses and have continued my interest in coaching and mentoring through from the Civil Service into Thales. Outside of the workplace, I am a volunteer Mentor for the Princes Trust. I am married and have two daughters – aged 11 and 7. I suffered from post-natal depression following the birth of my second daughter and I am passionate about employment rights for those affected by mental ill health.

Gill Martin – Trustee

I am a health visitor with a special interest in Perinatal Mental Health. Having experienced Perinatal Depression I have an understanding of the importance of empathetic care for women and their families at this critical time. Over the past twelve years I have been committed to raising the profile and understanding of PND to health visitors, community nursery nurses and Children’s Centre staff. Since 2008 I have run a perinatal postnatal support group, offering help to more than 100 women and their families. I believe that PANDAS work is vital in giving every woman affected by PND the chance to talk with someone, to feel supported, and ultimately reduce the isolation and stigma felt.

Julia Allinson – Head of Corporate Fundraising

As a parent to twin girls of 6, I understand the incredible challenges parenting can bring. It is a privilege to work for PANDAS Foundation, ensuring support is available to those who need it at this challenging time.

Claire Nethersole – Fundraising Manager

Having been in fundraising for 11 years now, I first heard about PANDAS Foundation as I was about to go on maternity leave with my second son. I am passionate about small charities and helping them to fundraise and grow. Working for PANDAS gives me a great feeling, parenting is tough and I really believe that we should stick together. On a daily basis at PANDAS I see parents supporting each other and helping each other through the tough times, it is no exaggeration to say we are saving lives here. I am passionate about continuing this work and helping more and more people, my job is to find the money to do this!

Nikki Whittaker – Safeguarding and Training Manager

I started working for PANDAS because I am a survivor of PND and can understand the experiences that service users are going through. I have worked in the voluntary sector for many years with teenagers, survivors of childhood sexual abuse and people challenged by mental illness. The PANDAS Foundation seems to have grown and developed along with my recovery journey. Now I am recovered I am very passionate about ‘giving back’ and assisting in improving services for all.

Tillie Mabbutt – Media and PR Officer

Having suffered with postnatal depression after the birth of my son and having used PANDAS Foundation services, I’m now passionate about spreading awareness, knowledge and education about perinatal mental illnesses.

Having worked in broadcast media for the last 10 years, it was a perfect fit for me to incorporate my professional knowledge with my lived experience to help PANDAS Foundation to be at the forefront of perinatal mental health campaigning and support. I also run one of our many local support groups which is enormously rewarding.

Amy Dear – IT & Social Media Manager

Having been through postnatal mental illness after my eldest son was born, I wanted to help other people who may be going through the same thing. Being the IT and Social Media Manager for PANDAS means I am privileged to work with an incredible group of volunteers, providing Peer Support and working to fight the stigma surrounding Pre and Postnatal Mental Illnesses. Outside of work, my other passions are running, writing, and design!

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